Education Secretary Linda McMahon declared on Wednesday that the ongoing federal government shutdown highlights the unnecessary nature of the Department of Education. McMahon argued that the shutdown proves that federal education oversight is not critical, asserting that education should be returned to the states, in line with President Trump’s vision of reducing federal involvement.
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McMahon’s Argument for Elimination
McMahon posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that the shutdown has demonstrated that millions of American students continue to attend school, teachers are paid, and schools are operating as usual, which she believes validates President Trump’s stance. “The Democrat government shutdown has forced agencies to evaluate what federal responsibilities are truly critical for the American people,” she wrote. She further emphasized that the Education Department’s continued operation is unnecessary.
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Short-Term Shutdown Effects on Schools
While schools have managed to function in the short term during the shutdown, there are growing concerns about the longer-term impact, particularly regarding funding and administrative support. Some schools, particularly those on tax-exempt land such as military bases or Native American reservations, have seen immediate disruptions in their Impact Aid, which could have significant consequences as the shutdown drags on.
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Impact of Furloughed Staff
The ongoing government shutdown has resulted in 95 percent of the Department of Education’s staff being furloughed, delaying several critical programs, including investigations at the Office of Civil Rights. This reduction in workforce is expected to continue, raising questions about the department’s effectiveness and future operations. The department has already seen a significant reduction in its workforce under the Trump administration, with more than 2,000 employees lost since the beginning of the term.
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McMahon Insists on Minimal Impact to Schools
McMahon has repeatedly argued that the reductions will not impact schools or students, stating that education funding, including for special education, will not be affected. She emphasized that the cuts to the federal agency would streamline operations and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on states and educators. According to McMahon, the Trump Administration’s clean Continuing Resolution (CR) would provide states and schools with the necessary funding.
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Future of the Department of Education
McMahon’s stance raises significant questions about the future role of the federal Department of Education. With the reduction in the department’s staff and the push for states to take on more responsibility, the department’s ability to carry out its mission is in question. As the Trump administration pushes for further cuts, many are concerned about how the department will function in the long run.
